Empirical Study of Error in Report of Crime and Delinquency (From From Boy to Man, From Delinquency to Crime, P 180-194, 1987, Marvin E Wolfgang, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-109901)

• NCJ Number: 109909
• Author(s): G S Bridges
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study describes the background and results of an empirical study that develops and applies a conceptual model of reported offenses to estimate the effects of response errors in self-report surveys.

Abstract

After proposing a conceptual model of reported offenses for developing empirical estimates of the levels and effects of error, the study reviews the handling of response error in previous self-report studies regarding the types, extensiveness, and correlates of error observed. Study findings are summarized with respect to error in reports of offenses resulting in arrest. The study uses the average difference between reported and official measures of offenses to estimate the aggregate effects of response error on the amount and types of crimes reported. Response-error effects on the association between reported and true levels of offense activity are estimated, using a statistical model of self-reported and official measures of criminal behavior. The findings suggest a thorough re-examination of the results of self-report studies. Recommendations focus on estimating and controlling the effects of response errors in future self-report studies. 3 figures and 6 tables.